Public Notices & Hearings
Regular MeetingWheaton, IL · January 26, 2026
Minutes
WHEATON CITY COUNCIL PUBLIC HEARING MINUTES
MAYOR PHILIP JI SUESS
COUNCILWOMAN ERICA BRAY-PARKER i COUNCILWOMAN LEAH BRICE I COUNCILMAN SCOTT BROWN
COUNCILMAN BRADLEY CLOUSING i COUNCILWOMAN LYNN ROBBINS I COUNCILMAN SCOTT WELLER
WHEATON CITY HALL, COUNCIL CHAMBERS, 303 W WESLEY STREET, WHEATON, ILLINOIS 60187
Monday, January 26, 2026
I. Call to Order and Roll Call
The public hearing of the Wheaton City Councll was called to order at 7:00 p.m. by Mayor Suess. The
public hearing was held in the Council Chambers, Wheaton City Hall, 303 W. Wesley Street, Wheaton,
Illinois. Upon roll call, the following were:
Physically Present: Mayor Suess
Councilwoman Bray-Parker
Councilwoman Brice
Councilman Brown
Councilwoman Robbins
Councilman Weller
Absent: Councilman Clousing
City Staff Present: Michaei G. Dzugan, City Manager
William Kolschowsky, Assistant City Manager
Dawn Didier, City Attorney
Princeton J. Youker, Chief of Police
Erik Berg, Management Analyst
Susan Bishel, Public Information Officer
City Staff Electronically
Present: James P. Kozik, Director of Planning and Economic Development
II. Public Hearing — ZA #26-02/ Rezoning and Special Use/ 119-125 E. Front Street/ CFXN
Properties LLC
A. Staff Comment
Director of Planning and Economic Development Kozik introduced the rezoning request, which would
rezone the multiple parcels comprising 119 — 125 Front Street from the C-2 Retail Core Business
District to the C—4 Perimeter Commercial District, and the issuance ofa special use permit to allow off-
street parking on a separate Iot within three hundred feet of the building or use served.
J. Trent Stoner, petitioner and founder of CFXN Properties, LLC., 1411 Champion Forest, Ct., stated
that the rezoning would allow for the redevelopment of the former Carlson Hardware building and its
adjacent parcels. He stated that the request satisfies the LaSaIIe factors through aligning zoning and
addressing a Iengthy vacancy. Additionally, he stated that the rezoning aims to increase the retail
opportunities in downtown Wheaton, foot traffic, and enhance downtown connectivity.
Mr. Stoner stated that the redevelopment would be achieved in two phases. Phase i would remodel
the vacant property into CF’s second co—working location and improve the existing parking conditions.
Phase ii, planned for the second half of 2027, proposes to construct a mixed-use development, with
both retail and residential units, and replace the surface parking with structured parking to align them
WHEATON CITY COUNCIL PUBLIC HEARING MINUTES
Monday, Dec. 8, 2025
with the needs of residents, employees, and customers. He stated that, while the hardware store
building will be preserved, the redevelopment will allow it to accommodate a changing work
environment. He stated that the work anticipated in Phase ll may require additional zoning approval.
B. Public Comment
Ted Witte, spoke favorably of the proposed rezoning and the petitioner, and recommended that the
City Council approve the request.
C. Council Comment
in response to Councilwoman Bray-Parker’s question, Mr. Stoner stated that the off—street parking
area improvements in Phase i would involve restriping parking spaces and removing a storage shed
as well as the open roofing frame. Director of Pianning and Economic Development Kozik added that
the zoning ordinance requires a four-foot landscaping setback between the sidewaik and any parking
spaces.
in response to Councilwoman Robbin’s question, Mr. Stoner stated that he estimated there would be
an estimated four to twelve units in the proposed mixed-unit development, dependent on Council
approval of the second phase ofthe redevelopment. The parking spaces would complement both the
residential and business needs.
in a response to Councilwoman Brice’s question, Mr. Stoner stated that the C—4 district allows retail
and emphasized the importance of retail to the business model of the proposed redevelopment. He
stated that CFXN Properties is exploring adding residential units to their Oak Park location. Director
of Planning and Economic Development Kozik stated that the C—4 District supports a broader mix of
compatible and mixed-uses than the C—Z does and reflects how the area functions currently.
D. Adjournment
Councilwoman Bray—Parker moved and Councilman Brice seconded a motion to adjourn the public
hearing at 7:21 p.m.
Roll Call Vote:
Ayes: Councilwoman Bray—Parker
Councilwoman Brice
Councilman Brown
Mayor Suess
Councilwoman Robbins
Councilman Weller
Nays: None
Absent: Councilman Clousing
Motion Carried Unanimously
Respectfully submitted,
Michael G. Dzugan
Deputy City Clerk/Manager
Agenda
Monday, January 26, 2026
7:00 p.m.
In-Person & Virtual
Wheaton City Hall Council Chambers
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Public comments can be made by:
• In-person at 7:00 p.m. on Monday, January 26, 2026, during the Public Comment portion of
each Public Hearing.
• Virtually at 7:00 p.m. on Monday, January 26, 2026, during the Public Comment portion of each
Public Hearing.
• Email the City Council at allcouncil@wheaton.il.us before 5:00 p.m. on Monday, January 26, 2026.
Agenda
I. Call to Order and Roll Call
II. Public Hearing - ZA #26-02/ Rezoning and Special Use/ 119-125 E. Front Street/ CFXN Properties
LLC
A. Staff Comment
B. Public Comment
C. Council Comment
D. Motion to Close Public Hearing
III. Adjournment
CITYOF
PLANNING & ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT
303 W WESLEY STREET, WHEATON, lL, 60187
630.260.2008 I www.wheofon.il.us
f’-’l/l.0lé
MEMORANDUM
TO: The Honorable Mayor and City Council
FROM: James P. Kozik, AICP, Director of Planning and Economic Development
DATE: January 26, 2026
SUBJECT: ZA #26-02/ Rezoning and Special Use/ 119 - 125 E. Front Street/ CFXN Properties, LLC
Request
Consideration of an application requesting a rezoning and special use permit.
Background
The subject property is located at the northwest corner of Cross and Front Streets in Downtown
Wheaton and comprises three properties: 125 E. Front Street, the former Carison Hardware building;
123 E. Front Street, currently leased to Edible Arrangements and an apartment on the second floor; and
119 E. Front Street, the former Carlson Hardware garden center.
The former Carlson Hardware building is a two—story mixed—use structure constructed in 1968.
Previously, Carlson Hardware occupied the first floor, while the second—floor housed offices. The
building has been vacant since the hardware store closed three years ago.
The subject property is currently zoned C—2 Retail Core Business District. Article 17.1 ofthe Wheaton
“To
Zoning Ordinance, states that the intent of the C-2 District is accommodate pedestrian oriented
retail businesses and other uses located at the center of the City, adjacent to commuter rail facilities
which form the retail core of the Central Business District of the City. This district is intended to be an
intensively developed, compact area consisting primarily of retail businesses”. Most office uses are not a
permitted use on the main floor of a building in the C—2 District. Per Article 22.1.4 of the Wheaton
Zoning Ordinance, no off-street parking is required in the C-2 District.
The C—4 CBD Perimeter Commercial District, which is located generally around the perimeter ofthe C—2
Retail Core Business District, permits business and professional offices on the main floor ofa building.
”To
Article 19.1 ofthe Wheaton Zoning Ordinance, states that the intent of the C—4 District is
accommodate commercial activities within the Central Business District which may be incompatible if
located within the pedestrian—oriented retail core, but which are necessary to service the CBD and to
provide for the expansion of the retail core”. Per Article 22.1.4 of the Zoning Ordinance, a reduced
number of parking spaces (in this instance 4 parking spaces) is required for uses in the C-4 District. A
special use permit to allow off—street parking on a separate lot within 300 feet of the building or use
served is required in the C-4 District.
The properties to the north, south and east of the subject property are zoned C—4. A map of both the C-2
and C—4 Zoning Districts is attached for reference.
WHEATON MAYOR PHlLlP J. SUESS CITY MANAGER MICHAEL DZUGAN
CITY COUNCIL: ERICA BRAY-PARKER i LEAH BRICE SCOTT BROWN i BRADLEY CLOUSING LYNN ROBBINS SCOTT WELLER
Proposal
The petitioner is requesting a rezoning of the subject property from the C-2 Retaii Core Business District
to the C-4 CBD Perimeter Commercial District and issuance of a special use permit to allow off-street
parking on a separate lot within 300 feet of the building or use served.
The petitioner indicates that they intend to redevelop the 8,580 sf former hardware building as its
second Chicago area co—working location, featuring private offices, meeting rooms, shared workspaces,
green space, and a member café. The use proposed by the petitioner is permitted by right in the C—4
District.
The petitioner indicates that Phase i renovation (co—working space and use of the property at 119 E.
Front Street for parking) is scheduled to begin in spring 2026, with redevelopment of adjacent parcels
(Phase ii) that expands retail and add housing and parking, is anticipated in the second half of 2027. The
work anticipated in Phase ii would require additional zoning approval.
Comprehensive plan
The Land Use Policy component of the Comprehensive Plan states that actively promoting the
redevelopment and expansion of a variety of office, retail, and residential projects, and implementation
of various policy and regulatory changes (such as rezonings) will help stimulate greater development
and redevelopment in the Downtown Wheaton area. The plan further states that these changes, tied to
zoning, parking, and related matters, should make it easier for the private sector to work with the
community to create projects that produce strong returns while helping to support the overall Vision for
the Downtown district and achieve the stated Vision for Downtown Wheaton.
Rezoning
lllinois courts have established a set of factors to be considered when reaching zoning decisions.
Collectively known as the LaSalle Factors (named after the original case where the first six factors were
first enunciated), Illinois courts examine and attempt to balance these factors to determine whether the
zoning in question is fair to the owner of the subject property, owners of surrounding properties, and
the public. No single factor is controlling, and each case must be decided on its own facts, although
lllinois courts place substantial importance on the first factor.
As part of their testimony at the public hearing, the petitioner should address the eight LaSalle Factors.
The LaSalle Factors are as follows:
The existing uses and zoning of nearby property;
The extent to which property values are diminished by the particular zoning;
The extent to which the destruction of property values of the complaining party benefits the
health, safety, or general welfare of the public;
4. The relative gain to the public as compared to the hardship imposed on the individual property
owner;
5. The suitability of the property for the zoned purpose;
6. The length of time the property has been vacant as zoned, compared to development in the
vicinity of the property;
7. The public need for the proposed use;
8. The thoroughness with which the municipality has planned and zoned its land use.
The petitioner indicates that the former hardware buiiding has remained vacant for more than three
years despite active marketing, reflecting its size, configuration, and limited feasibiiity for modern retail
use and that rezoning aligns the parcels with the adjacent C4 district to the north, enables adaptive
reuse of a historic structure, and activates a dormant corner of downtown. ln addition, the petitioner
indicates that approval would support a coordinated redevelopment of adjacent parcels to the west that
expands retail, adds housing and parking, preserves historic character, and delivers substantial private
investment benefiting downtown Wheaton.
Special Use Permit
Each zoning district classification provides a list of various permitted uses that are deemed to be
compatible with other permitted uses within a particular zoning district classification. The Zoning
Ordinance states that various uses for which a special use permit is required (in this case, to allow off—
street parking on a separate lot within 300 feet of the building or use served is required in the C-4
District) may or may not be compatible with adjacent uses, depending upon their location relative to
other uses, the capacity of adjacent streets, the characteristics of the proposed use, and other factors.
The purpose of the special use permit procedure is to ensure that all granted special uses comply with
the purposes and intent of the Zoning Ordinance.
As part of their testimony at the public hearing, the petitioner should address the standards for special
use permits as contained in Article 5.10 D of the Zoning Ordinance. The standards are as follows:
1. The establishment, maintenance, or operation of the special use shall not be detrimental to the
public health, safety, morals, comfort, convenience, and general welfare;
2. The special use shall not be injurious to the uses and enjoyment of other property in the
immediate vicinity for the purposes already permitted, not substantially diminish property
values within the neighborhood;
3. The establishment of a special use shall not impede the normal and orderly development and
improvement ofthe surrounding property for uses already permitted;
4. Adequate utilities, access ways, drainage, and other necessary facilities shall be provided;
5. Adequate measures shall be taken to provide ingress and egress designed to minimize traffic
congestion in the public streets;
6. The special use shall comply with the objectives of the Wheaton Comprehensive Plan;
7. The special use shall conform to the applicable requirements of the district in which it is located,
as well as any other applicable requirements of this ordinance, except as may be varied by the
Board or City Council.
The petitioner indicates that proposed special use for off-street parking at 119 E. Front Street formalizes
and improves an existing parking area directly adjacent to the buildings at 123—125 E. Front Street. The
lot historically functioned as a lawn and garden center for the former hardware store and is currently
utilized for tenant parking and limited private parking through contractual arrangements. The proposal
maintains this established use while improving the condition, organization, and capacity of the parking
area through cleaning, sealing, and striping of the lot, removal of an existing storage shed at the north
end of the 119 E. Front Street lot, and removal of an obsolete open roofing frame that previously
marked the garden center entrance. The parking will be managed to accommodate the needs of on-site
tenants, with additional spaces made available to other users or the general public as capacity permits.
The parking area serves the buiidings it supports, promotes efficient use of existing land, minimizes
demand for on—street parking, and is consistent with the intent of the C—4 CBD Perimeter Commercial
District by supporting shared parking and the functional needs of downtown commercial development.
Downtown Design Review Guidelines
Wheaton’s Downtown Design Review Guideiines, adopted in 2001, address both new construction and
exterior renovation of existing buildings, because both have the potential to significantly impact the
character of the Downtown. These guidelines supplement the basic use, location, bulk, and other
standards found within the Wheaton Zoning Ordinance. The applicant has submitted a preliminary
building elevation that eliminates both the cedar shaker canopy that is currently on the exterior of the
former hardware store building and the obsolete open roofing frame that previously marked the garden
center entrance.
Both proposed facade improvements to the exterior of the existing building and parking area are
consistent with these guidelines.
Downtown Wheaton Association (DWA)
The Downtown Wheaton Association (DWA) discussed both this zoning request and the previous
request before the Planning and Zoning Board and indicated they are supportive of the requests.
Staff Recommendation
While the subject property is zoned C—2 Retail Core Business District, it is located on the edge of this
”retail
zoning district away from the core” of the Downtown, with C-4 properties to the north, east, and
south.
it is staff’s opinion that the proposed rezoning and special use permit to facilitate the proposed
"retail
development complements the existing core” by creating a reliable customer base for retailers,
driving foot traffic, and contributing to the vibrancy and economic resilience of a mixed—use Downtown.
Office employees are a consistent source of customers for nearby retail, especially restaurants, cafes,
and services like dry cleaners, throughout the workday and during lunch breaks. While retailers
experience peaks and valleys, office workers provide reliable, weekday foot traffic, which can stabilize
business for restaurants and shops. In addition, office uses can provide additional hours of business in
the mornings. For both office workers and residents in a mixed—use setting, having easy, walkable
access to a variety of retail shops and services offers significant convenience.
Staff would recommend approval of the proposed rezoning and special use permit.
C: J. Trent Stoner
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CFXN PROPERTIES, LLC
December 23, 2025
Rezoning Application
119-125 E. Front Street, (Downtown) Wheaton, IL
J. Trent Stoner, CFXN Properties, LLC, Petitioner
Narrative Statement
The petitioner seeks rezoning of 119—125 E. Front Street, inciuding the former Carlson Hardware Building,
from C2 Retail Core to C4 Perimeter Commerciaf The first—floor retail space of the Hardware Building has
remained vacant for more than three years despite active marketing, reflecting its size, configuration, and
limited feasibility for modern retail use. Rezoning aligns the parcels with the adjacent C4 district to the
north, enables adaptive reuse of a historic structure, and activates a dormant corner of downtown. [n
addition, approval supports a coordinated redevelopment of adjacent parcels to the west that expands
retail, adds housing and parking, preserves historic character, and delivers substantial private investment
benefiting downtown Wheaton,
CrossFunction (CF), a CFXN affiliate founded in 2020, is a flexible office, meeting, and event concept
focused on adaptive reuse of historic, transit—oriented buildings. CF plans to lease and redevelop the
8,580—square—foot Hardware Building as its second Greater Chicago location, featuring private offices,
meeting rooms, shared workspaces, green space, and a member cafe'. Phase l renovation is scheduled to
begin in spring 2026, with redevelopment of adjacent parcels anticipated in the second half of 2027.
Ownership and financing are provided by CFXN Properties, combining private equity and bank funding to
deliver a high—quality, long-term downtown asset.
1411 Champion Forest Court / Wheaton, lL 60187 / 615.305.8173
CFXN PROPERTES, LLC
Rezoning Memorandum
119—125 East Front Street, Wheaten, IL 601 87
PLEASE STATE THE EXISTING ZONING CLASSlFlCATlON(S) AND USES OF THE PROPERTY WITHIN THE
GENERAL AREA OF THE PROPOSED REZONED PROPERTY.
The current zoning for the ground floor of parcels 119—1 25 E. Front Street is C2 (Retail Core). Since closing in
2023, the first—floor space of the former Carlson Hardware Building has been actively marketed without success
due to its size, configuration, and the cost of renovation required for modern retail use, limiting feasibility under
existing zoning.
PLEASE STATE THE TREND OF DEVELOPMENT, lF ANY, IN THE GENERAL AREA OF THE PROPERTY lN
QUESTION, INCLUDING CHANGS, lF ANY, WHICH HAVE TAKEN PLACE SINCE THE DAY THE PROPERTY IN
QUESTION WAS PLACED IN ITS PRESENT ZONING CLASSIFIATION.
The 119-125 E. Front Street parcels are located at the southeast edge of the C2 Retail Core and are directly
adjacent to C4-zoned properties, including Chase Bank to the north and the Wheaton 121 residential
development to the east. Extending the C4 boundary across these parcels would align zoning with existing
conditions, create consistency at this downtown gateway, and enable reinvestment that activates an
underutilized comer while supporting future mixed—use development along Front Street.
PLEASE STATE THE EXTENT TO WHICH THE PROPERTY VALUES ARE DIMINISHED BY THE PARTICULAR
ZONING RESTRICTIONS.
The current C2 Retail Core zoning constrains the range of feasible uses for the property, most specifically the
Hardware Building, and has contributed to prolonged vacancy. The building’s age, full-lot coverage, and the
significant investment required to accommodate modern retail limit market interest under existing zoning.
Broadening permitted uses through rezoning would improve the property’s economic viability, encourage
reinvestment, and help stabilize long-term property value while preserving a prominent historic structure at the
edge of downtown.
PLEASE STATE THE EXTENT TO WHICH THE DESTRUCTION OF PROPERTY VALUES OF THE PETITIONER
PROMOTES THE HEALTH, SAFETY, IVIORALS, AND GENERAL WELFARE OF THE PUBLIC.
Continued diminution of the property’s value does not promote the public health, safety, morals, or general
welfare. Prolonged vacancy discourages reinvestment, weakens economic activity, and undermines the vitality of
this downtown gateway. Allowing adaptive reuse through rezoning stabilizes the property, preserves a historic
structure, and supports consistent daily activity. In tum, this reinvestment helps catalyze future development on
adjacent parcels, including retail, that will strengthen downtown commerce and long-term sales tax generation
for the City.
1411 Champion Forest Court / Wheaton, IL 60187 / 615.305.8173 2
CFXN PROPER?!ES, LLC
PLEASE STATE THE LENGTH OF TIME THE PROPERTY HAS BEEN VACANT AS ZONED CONSIDERED IN THE
CONTEXT OF LAND DEVELOPMENT IN THE AREA IN THE VICINITY OF THE SUBJECT PROPERTY?
The property has been vacant since January 2023, when the long-standing hardware store closed. Since that
time, ownership has actively marketed the space for lease and sale, working with the Downtown Wheaton
Association and listing the property publicly. These efforts did not produce viable retail tenants or buyers due to
the size and configuration of the space, the high cost of renovation required for modern retail use, and the
limitations imposed by current zoning.
PLEASE STATE THE COMMUNITY NEED FOR THE PROPSED LAND USE.
The community need addressed by this request is the activation and long-term viability of an underutilized
downtown gateway. The southeast comer of Front and Cross Streets has remained largely vacant and inactive,
contributing little to pedestrian activity or economic vitality. Allowing adaptive reuse through rezoning supports
consistent daily occupancy, strengthens surrounding businesses, preserves a historic structure, and creates the
conditions for future mixed—use and retail development that align with the City’s downtown revitalization
objectives.
WITH RESPECT TO THE SUBJECT PROPERTY, PLEASE STATE THE CARE WITH WHICH THE COMMUNITY HAS
UNDERTAKEN CARE TO PLAN ITS LAND USE DEVELOPMENT.
A thriving downtown depends on a balanced mix of uses that attract people throughout the day and evening.
While retail and dining remain essential, changing market conditions have increased the importance of service,
office, and experiential uses that generate consistent foot traffic. These uses bring people into the downtown
regularly, supporting surrounding shops and restaurants. Allowing adaptive reuse of underutilized buildings
helps downtown evolve responsibly, strengthens economic resilience, and ensures traditional retail is
complemented—not displaced—by uses that reflect how communities live and work today.
PLEASE STATE THE IMPACT THAT SUCH RECLASSIFICATION WILL HAVE UPON TRAFFIC AND TRAFFIC
CONDITIONS ON SAID ROUTES; THE EFFECT, IF ANY, SUCH RECLASSIFICATION AND/OR ANNEXATION
WOULD HAVE. UPON EXISTING ACCESSES TO SAID ROUTES; AND THE IMPACT OF ADDITIONAL
ACCESSES AS REQUESTED BY THE PETITIONER UPON TRAFFIC CONDITIONS AND FLOWS ON SAID
ROUTES.
The proposed rezoning is not expected to create adverse traffic impacts. The southeast corner of Front and
Cross Streets currently experiences low traffic volumes and functions primarily as a pass-through area due to
prolonged vacancy. No new curb cuts or access points are proposed as part of this request. Phase 1 will
organize existing surface parking on adjacent parcels to better accommodate users and the public, while Phase
2 anticipates structured parking located to the rear of the site. Any increase in traffic would be incremental,
consistent with downtown mixed—use activity, and supported by existing parking resources, walkability, and
proximity to transit.
PLEASE STATE THE RELATIVE GAIN TO THE PUBLIC AS COMPARED TO THE HARDSHIP IMPOSED UPON THE
INDIVIDUAL PROPERTY OWNER.
14H Champion Forest Court / Wheaton, IL 60187 / 615.305.8173 3
CFXN PROPERTIES, LLC
The public benefit of the requested rezoning substantially outweighs any hardship imposed on the property
owner. Despite good-faith efforts over several years, the anchor property has proven infeasible to lease or sell
for retail use under current zoning without disproportionate investment. Rezoning enables reinvestment by a
qualified local developer committed to preservingthe historic building, restoring activity to a long-dormant
downtown corner, supporting mixed-use development on adjacent parcels, including retail, residential, and
parking, and strengthening the tax base.
PLEASE STATE THE SUITABILITY OF THE SUBJECT PROPERTY FOR THE ZONED PURPOSES.
Although located at the edge of the downtown district, the subject property is not well suited for continued C2
Retail Core use. The Hardware Building occupies the full parcel, is more than 100 years old, and would require
substantial reinvestment to accommodate modern retail or restaurant users. Despite active marketing since
its closure in January 2023, no viable retail tenants or buyers have emerged. The parcel is bordered by C4-zoned
commercial and residential uses and functions as a quiet gateway ratherthan a retail corridor. Rezoning to C4
aligns with surrounding uses, supports adaptive reuse of the existing structure, and provides a more suitable
and sustainable framework for reinvestment.
1411 Champion Forest Court / Wheaton, IL 60187 / 615.305.8173 4
CFXN HOLDINGS, LLC
January 16, 2026
Special Use Standards Narrative Statement — Off-Street Parking
The proposed special use for off-street parking formalizes and improves an existing parking area
directly adjacent to the buildings at 119—125 E. Front Street. The lot historically functioned as a lawn
and garden center for the former hardware store and is currently utilized for tenant parking and
limited private parking through contractual arrangements. The proposal maintains this established use
while improving the condition, organization, and capacity of the parking area through cleaning, sealing,
and striping of the lot, removal of an existing storage shed at the north end of the 119 E. Front Street
lot, and removal of an obsolete open roofing frame that previously marked the garden center
entrance. The parking will be managed to accommodate the needs of on—site tenants, with additional
spaces made available to other users or the general public as capacity permits. The parking area serves
the buildings it supports, promotes efficient use of existing land, minimizes demand for on-street
parking, and is consistent with the intent of the C—4 CBD Perimeter Commercial District by supporting
shared parking and the functional needs of downtown commercial development.
1411 Champion Forest Court / Wheaton, IL 60187 / 615.305.8173
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